For overseas Pakistanis, the pull toward home never fades — even from thousands of miles away. Rabia Nisar Foundation exists to turn that pull into action, creating a real, working connection between Pakistanis abroad and the families and communities of Upper Dir, in Northern Pakistan.
Since our founding, we’ve focused our efforts where they’re needed most: a district that is often overlooked, but never short of resilience. Every ration delivered, every classroom supported, and every family reached is a thread tying two places together — where you are now, and where it all began.
In 2020, as the pandemic disrupted daily life around the world, our team moved quickly to deliver 200 food ration packs to families in Upper Dir who needed them most. It was an urgent response — and the start of an ongoing effort.
Our food packages have included staple items such as flour, rice, lentils, oil, sugar, chickpeas, and tea, with Ramadan packages also including dates and Rooh Afza — enough to support a family’s basic nutritional needs for a month.
Growing up, most of us have fond memories of summers well spent exploring Pakistan. The scorching heatwave and humidity did not deter us from visiting yet another welcoming home, playing cricket and badminton in the streets, or taking a trip to the bustling market filled with mouth-watering street food. Our summer breaks consisted of creating inseparable bonds with our cousins imagining the adventures we would fulfill only for it to be shattered by the reality of leaving the serene nature of Pakistan to begin school again in August.
The memories most dear to us are those spent with our grandmothers. Their presence lightened the atmosphere and emanated tranquility. They would scan the room and tally their children and grandchildren to ensure that each plate is catered with their own blessed hands. They showered us with endless care and created an environment where we felt safeguarded from the perils of the world. We cherish those moments. Each one of them.
For us, Rabia Nisar symbolizes, not just our grandmother, but all your grandmothers. They are the strength that keeps our families and communities grounded, always a pillar for us to look towards. The Rabia Nisar Foundation wants to be that foundation for the Pakistani community. We aim to give back the love and care all our grandmothers displayed and convey it to the families of Upper Dir. We are inspired by the power and passion my grandmother had for her family and want to employ that same fervor to ensure we give back to our communities. RNF hopes to create a personalized experience for every overseas Pakistani, so they too can strengthen their connection to their homeland and take themselves back to the summers spent in Pakistan.
Rabia Nisar Foundation emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and care for our community in hopes that our actions will speak louder than words. Established in 2020, we’re an organization driven by progressive ideas, bold actions, and a strong foundation of support.
